Birthday Cake Centerpiece

I desperately wanted to make a time capsule for my one year-old daughter to open on her 21st birthday. Recollections in Sterling had some adorable papier mache hat boxes they had decorated to form a tiered cake. What a fantastic idea! A little Rob & Bob Studio paper, Diamond Glaze, Diamond Dust, Making Memories paints, Deluxe Designs chipboard, ric-rac, Stickles, two brads, Basic Grey rub-ons and tulle and SEVEN HOURS of work and I was able to come up with a beautiful centerpiece for her party that could double as a time capsule!

Here are the instructions:

I purchased the three papier mache tier boxes and number one at Recollections in Sterling, Virginia. I haven't been able to find an on-line resource for the same boxes with the scalloped tops, but you can find plenty of plain papier mache boxes in fantastic shapes.

I painted the lids of the boxes using my Making Memories paints (any acrylic paint will do!). You may have to apply several coats of paint. Let the paint fully dry.

While the lids dried, I covered the bases of the box with patterned paper. I chose paper from Rob & Bob Studio, but you can select any line of vibrant paper (my friend Cenia made a set using Basic Grey Color Me Silly & it looked fantastic!). I used my Xyron Cheetah as the adhesive, but you could probably use Yes! Glue as well. Do not use a wet glue, as it tends to warp the paper.

To get the sparkly look on the lids, I painted Diamond Glaze (by Judi-Kins) over the acrylic paint, then rolled the wet lid in Twinklets Diamond Dust (I believe it is made by Delta Ceramcote, but you can find it in most craft stores). Allow to dry. To clean up the edges on the very top, I applied a fine line of Stickles glitter glue.

I traced the number out on patterned paper & cut out. I then painted the edges of the number and glued the patterned paper to the front & back. Once everything is dry, adhere the Diamond Dust to the sides, using Diamond Glaze.

Embellish using Deluxe Designs chipboard, tulle, ric rac ribbon, rub-ons etc. It really is a stunning project. Have fun! Should you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail me.